Denaburg recovering from shoulder cleanup: "All reports have been positive"

Right-hander Mason Denaburg, the Nationals' top overall selection from the 2018 First-Year Player Draft, has been been progressing well from a shoulder cleanout we reported earlier this winter.

Three of the Nats' top four first-round selections the past four drafts are in the current 60-man player pool, including Cade Cavalli, Jackson Rutledge and Seth Romero.

Because he is undergoing rehab following the procedure on his right shoulder, Denaburg is not in camp. The arthroscopic cleanout did not require suture anchors, which would have meant a more serious procedure. The 20-year-old is back home with his family in Florida as he continues a non-competitive rehab throwing program, according to Nats assistant general manager for player development Mark Scialabba.

"All reports have been positive," Scialabba said. "Mason is at his home and we are closely monitoring his progress as he continues his rehab."

Denaburg pitched in seven games last season, making four starts for the Rookie-level Gulf Coast Nationals. The Merritt Island, Fla., product went 1-1 with a 7.52 ERA, striking out 19 in 20 1/3 innings from June 24 to Aug. 3. Nats undrafted free agent Ray Torres caught for Denaburg in 2018 on an elite travel team and was impressed by the right-hander's stuff. He called Denaburg one of the best on that squad.